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"This congregation was gathered
in 1838 as Burlington was being settled." So opens the
historical statement of the First Congregational Church of Burlington, Iowa.
They gathered as a church in this Southeast Iowa town
by the Mississippi River. About 100 still gather
for Sunday worship.
This church was always associated with "the
good news" and with education. First meetings were held in the
home of James G. Edwards, publisher of the Burlington Hawk-Eye,
Iowa's oldest newspaper, now known simply as "The Hawk Eye."
Another pioneer, William Salter, served as the second Pastor. He convinced
other churches to build near the city center, where today the skyline is
distinguished by a cluster of tall steeples, as though these
Christian symbols had gathered by the Mississippi to point the thoughts of
river travelers Heavenward. Salter was a member of the "Iowa Band," a
group of young clergymen from New England who established
churches throughout the Midwest. Salter also moved the community to
establish early schools, and a local school bearing his name continued in
use until 2002.
The church served as a link in
the Underground Railroad. During Burlington's "Heritage Days"
last year, visiting scholar Galin Barrier, an expert on this piece of
American history, documented that First
Congregational played a major part. There is a tunnel
that runs five blocks from the church to the Mississippi's bank; though not
documented, it is strongly rumored to have played a part in this
freedom migration. One may imagine slaves gathering by the river to wait for
the next part of their journey.
Recently, another new kind of
gathering began at First Congregational: a "multi-age classroom"
meets weekly. Children of every age mingle, as in early one-room
schools, experiencing Bible stories together. Each session in turn uses a
different medium to present the same theme, and everyone participates using
individual creative skills. Examples include portraying the story by
drawing, cooking, making and wielding puppets, creating and playing games, drama, music, and whatever anyone can think of! "The kids love it
- and we've got good attendance."
And He is in the midst of them.
(Matthew 18:20)
FCC DETROIT RECEIVES GRANT
Many of our Congregational Churches have a proud history
of helping create and maintain the Underground Railroad during the
years of slavery in our country. First Church, Detroit is one of
those Churches. They have received a grant that will help enhance
the amazing story of the Railroad for researchers, educators, and
nonprofit organizations, linking grassroots communities by
electronic and physical communication systems. We will help provide
an important piece of this story. As our part unfolds, we will keep
our leaders and Churches informed. Congratulations to F.C.C. Detroit.
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